Subsoiler for Tractor: How to Choose the Right Size for 25–100 HP

A subsoiler for tractor work breaks the hard plough pan that forms 15–30 cm below the surface after years of ploughing, disc harrowing and heavy traffic. If water stands on your fields after rain, roots grow sideways and crops wilt quickly in dry spells, compaction is the likely cause – and the right subsoiler fixes it without turning the soil upside down.

How a Subsoiler Works

A 3 point subsoiler is a strong frame carrying narrow, curved shanks with hardened points. The tractor pulls the shanks through the ground below normal tillage depth. Each shank lifts and cracks the compacted layer, opening channels for water, air and roots, while the surface and crop residue stay mostly in place.

This is different from a plough. A mouldboard or disc plough inverts the top layer; a subsoiler loosens deeper soil and leaves the surface almost untouched. Many buyers call it a subsoiler plough (or subsoiler plow in the US), but it does not turn a furrow. It is also different from a spring-tine cultivator, which works the top few centimetres – see our spring tine cultivator guide for that job.

SH 3SH Subsoiler Models: Width, Subsoiler Depth and HP

Our 3SH series is a three-point mounted design for 25–100 hp tractors. All four models work at 100–250 mm and share the same overall length and height, so the main choice is working width and tractor power. Figures below are from our cultivators and subsoilers page.

Model	Working width (mm)	Working depth (mm)	No. of tines	Weight (kg)	Overall size L×W×H (mm)	Matching power (hp)
3SH-1.0	1000	100–250	5	210	1000×1400×1150	25–50
3SH-1.8	1800	100–250	7	280	1800×1400×1150	50–70
3SH-2.1	2100	100–250	11	320	2100×1400×1150	70–80
3SH-2.6	2600	100–250	13	380	2600×1400×1150	80–100

Specifications are for reference; customisation is available on request.

How to Match a Subsoiler for Tractor HP, Farm Size and Soil

Deep loosening takes more pulling power per metre than almost any other job, so match the frame to your tractor first and your field size second.

• 25–50 hp tractors: the 3SH-1.0 is the safe choice for small farms, orchards and vegetable plots.
• 50–70 hp: the 3SH-1.8 suits family farms growing maize, wheat, cotton or sugarcane.
• 70–80 hp: the 3SH-2.1 covers more ground per pass on medium farms.
• 80–100 hp: the 3SH-2.6 is for contractors and larger farms that need output.

Soil changes the picture. In heavy clay, dry hard ground or stony land, choose the lower end of each power range or take the next smaller width. In sandy or loamy soil you can stay near the top of the range. If you are not sure how much power you have, our tractor horsepower guide and the selection assistant will help.

Setup and Field Tips

• Work when the soil is dry enough. A subsoiler shatters dry, firm soil well. In wet soil the shanks only cut slots that close again.
• Find the pan first. Dig a small pit or push a steel rod into the ground to see where resistance starts, then set the subsoiler depth so the points run 3–5 cm below it.
• Level the frame. Adjust the top link and lift arms so every shank works at the same subsoiler depth from side to side and front to back.
• Start shallow, then go deeper. Make a test run, check the result and the tractor load, and lower the frame step by step.
• Keep a steady speed and drive straight. Sharp turns with the shanks in the ground stress the frame and shanks.
• Follow with a seedbed tool. After loosening, a rotary tiller or disc harrow prepares the surface for sowing.

Most farms do not need to subsoil every year. Every two to four years, or when you see standing water and shallow roots again, is usually enough. Good deep loosening is part of sustainable agricultural mechanization, because it helps rain soak in and reduces the need for repeated shallow tillage.

Maintenance and Spare Parts

A subsoiler has few moving parts, but the points and shanks work hard in abrasive soil.

• Check points every day in sandy or stony soil and replace them before they wear into the shank.
• Tighten shank clamps and frame bolts after the first few hours of work, then weekly.
• Look for cracks around the headstock and lower link pins, especially after hitting stones.
• Clean off soil, oil bare steel and store the machine under cover between seasons.

Dealers should order a set of spare points and a few spare bolts with each machine so customers are never stopped in the busy season.

Common Buying Mistakes

Most problems with a new subsoiler for tractor use come from the order, not the machine:

• Choosing by width only. A wide frame on a small tractor will not reach full depth and wastes fuel.
• Expecting it to replace the plough. A subsoiler loosens; it does not bury weeds or residue. Use it with a plough, harrow or tiller.
• Ignoring the tractor’s lift capacity and three-point category before ordering.
• Forgetting spare points for the first season.
• Working wet soil and then deciding the machine does not work.

Why Buy Direct from a Subsoiler Manufacturer in China

As a subsoiler manufacturer, Shenghang builds the 3SH subsoilers in our own factory and sells factory direct. We offer SH labelling, OEM options for dealers, export packing and shipping by sea, rail or air – see export and shipping. You can combine a subsoiler with other soil tools such as a disc ridger or a tractor in one container.

Subsoiler FAQ

How deep does a subsoiler work?

Our 3SH models have a working depth of 100–250 mm. Set the points just below the hard layer you find in your field rather than always running at maximum depth.

What size subsoiler for tractor of 50 hp?

The 3SH-1.0 is listed for 25–50 hp and the 3SH-1.8 for 50–70 hp. At 50 hp in heavy soil, choose the 3SH-1.0; in lighter soil the 3SH-1.8 may suit.

Is a subsoiler plough the same as a chisel plough (plow)?

Both use shanks rather than discs or mouldboards (moldboards). A subsoiler is built to work deeper with fewer, stronger shanks; a chisel plough works shallower and wider.

Can I buy a 3 point subsoiler with my own brand?

Yes. As a factory we offer OEM options and SH labelling. Tell us your quantity and requirements when you ask for a quotation.

Get a Quote

Send us the 3 point subsoiler model you need (for example 3SH-1.8), quantity, your tractor HP and your destination port on WhatsApp +86 133 8469 2372, and we will reply with a quotation and packing details. You can also compare all models on our subsoiler and cultivator page.